Avoriaz
Overview
Avoriaz is a bit of a "Marmite" ski resort; you either love it or hate it, we at Snowfinders arefit into the former category. The resort was constructed in the sixties and is very much purpose built with ski convenience in mind. Apartment block after apartment block were constructed with few hotels and other buildings. However, the resort does have charm, and the idea was to construct a village that sat in harmony with it's surroundings. The all wooden construction of the ski village with its unusual angular pitched roofs blends in perfectly with the rock faces when viewed from the valley floor town of Morzine, so much so that it is regarded as the camouflaged ski village.
As Avoriaz has pistes that run through the village it means that nothing is far away and the high street is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, clubs, and other leisure facilities. When the night draws in and the lights go on it actually feels very special with the strip creating a sparkley winter wonderland atmosphere. The recent upgrades to apartment blocks and the addition of new 4 star accommodation has helped a great deal to ensure that this is still one of the most sought after resorts in the Alps, especially given it's very short transfer time from Geneva.
As well as the numerous apartment options available there are a couple of hotels and now a few catered chalets here in Avoriaz.
Avoriaz is a perfect ski resort for beginners as there are fantastic nursery slopes and from these slopes there are other decent green and blue runs to progress to. Annie Famose children's ski village also gets great reviews for the younger skiers.
Intermediates have the whole 650km of piste to explore and will not get bored in a week, month, or year of skiing this wonderful domain. Trips across to Les Gets and into Switzerland will give the mile hungry intermediate more than enough for any winter ski break. Timid and early intermediates can navigate around the ski area without too many worries and the more brave are sure to want to try the Chavanette (The Swiss Wall).
Experts have a great ski area and can plot differing descents on different days. Piste wise try the aforementioned Chavanettes or have fun in the "Stash" park. The runs off Mossettes are also great too. Plenty of red runs offer challenges to those wanting to pound moguls or perfect their GS turns. Off piste opportunities are varied and plentiful. Take a guide and you will be in seventh heaven here. One striking feature of the ski area is that there are so many routes to take to escape the crowds and ski in tranquility.
For boarders Avoriaz is a mecca with around 5 terrain parks, a snowcross area and a huge ski domain to keep you busy.
Cross country skiing extends to around 45km of trails primarily in the sector between Avoriaz and Super Morzine.
Offslope/apres ski
In truth non-skiers may have better options, however, let's face it, if your picking a resort based on non-skier requirements then your making a huge mistake. Having said that excursions to the goat village, Ardent, Les Lindarets, or even Annecy are all possible.
There are some good restauarants in the village with menus ranging from traditional Savoyarde, Tex-Mex, Chinese, American diner, Italian, and even North African. The establishments can get busy owing to the amount of self catering but you can easily get takeaway dishes such as rotiserrie chickens and Tartiflete.
The new aquapark, Aquariaz, is fantastic for family fun and is worthy of a day's visit, especially in inclement weather. Complete with pools, hot tubs, water slides, chutes, and much more it ensures an exciting alternative to the outdoor attractions.
Apres ski is mainly bar led but it is busy and with plenty of atmosphere. The Yeti, Shooters, Tavaillon, Globe Trotters, The Place and Chapka all get favourable reviews from Snowfinders guests. The Festival and Fantastique are more late night orientated for those wanting to party to the small hours.
Every March Avoriaz hosts the famous Snowbox festival which includes live bands, famous DJs, ski and board shows, and much more.
Overview
Purpose built, ski convenient, good all round resort. Some love it, a few loathe it....Snowfinders think its a superb base to explore this 650km of piste.
At a glance
- Pistes:
- 650 km (area)
- Resort height:
- 1800m
- Top station:
- 2460m
Suitability
Positives
- Efficient lift system
- True ski in ski out resort
- Best snow in the Portes du Soleil
- Good mixed ability resort
- Huge ski area
- Not as expensive as many ski areas for food/apres ski
Negatives
- Unconventional resort appearance
- Little high altitide skiing on the network
- Few hotels or chalets (although this is changing)
Chalet Marie is a picturesque chalet, located right on the piste near the village centre. The chalet is modern and spacious inside, with traditional alpine interiors throughout. Sleeping 14-15, All...
Every now and again the stars seem to align and extraordinary opportunities drop into your lap. Through a chance lunch and a random overheard comment, we became owners of two...
Chalet Ossetra is the smaller neighbour of Chalet Beluga next door, and offers a more intimate space for smaller parties, accommodating 6-7 guests. The position is sensational; mind blowing views, piste...
Chalet Kakisa sits close to the centre of Avoriaz, a vertical lift ride away from the noise and bustle of the very centre, but perfectly placed on the piste...
Chalet Kobuk offers the perfect space for 8-10 guests, spread over three floors with a cosy mezzanine above. The huge windows and balconies draw the mountain panoramas into every room....
Within 50 metres of the pistes * Outdoor hot tub, new for 2023/24 * Chalet Sakami offers the perfect space for six guests over three floors. The huge windows and...
Chalet Kipnuk offers the perfect home for 6-8 guests looking to explore Avoriaz, the Portes du Soleil and Switzerland beyond. Built into the side of the mountain above the central resort...
Avoriaz is the highest and most snow sure resort in the giant Portes du Soleil ski area, offering over 600km of piste in 14 resorts and two countries. There is...